Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon completed a situation assessment along with senior officials from the IDF, Shin Bet and the Defense ministry. Upon conclusion of the assessment Ya'alon said, "We are preparing for many more long days of fighting and continue to promote the following steps. The blows being dealt to Hamas are very hard and the damage being dealt to its people is heavy."

Ya'alon added, "We will continue to strike Hamas and other terrorist organizations until quiet and security is returned to residents of the south and the rest of Israel."